I’m having a milestone birthday today. It’s not like it used to be. Nobody knows what I was like when I was a kid any more. They’re all gone. I won’t have to listen to Dad’s yearly reminiscence that I made him miss breakfast the day I was born; I won’t get a call from Mom either.
Here are some birthday observations:
Things change. Family changes: the old guard that knew more than you did are gone; the next generation that knows less than you, doesn’t really fill the gap, as precious as they are.
Outlook changes. Thinking about the future isn’t as ‘pie in the sky’ as it was. Things that “you’ll understand when you’re older,” you now understand. Things that you didn’t want to think about when you were young, you still don’t want to think about… but you do.
Ideas about death are just as terrifying (if not more so) from the perch of age as they were when first discovered at a young age.
Here is a self portrait, with my nose up against the window to the future.
I like the self portrait. Sending you wishes for a happy, joyous milestone birthday…
Thanks, Dr. V for the very kind thoughts and wishes. I will tip the scales toward Joyous. Thank you!
I hope that you have a good birthday!
Thank you so much, AK!
Happy birthday!!!
Thank you, Frangipani!
Yes, make that birthday happy! Of course we are just as clueless as our parents were, and as our children are. Best not to dwell on it, but take what’s here and enjoy it. (K)
Thank you Kerfe. I let my post get away from me. You’re right. Thank you for your kind wishes.
Jack
We all have these thoughts, whether we voice them or not.
I feel you, Jack. My people are all gone too. I guess some folks from high school remember me as a crazy beatnik artist but it’s not the same. Happy birthday to an inspiring artist and supportive friend on WordPress. Have a fantastic day. N.
I know these feelings. Happy birthday!
Thanks, Claudia!
I feel you, friend ππ. My birthday is 3 weeks from today and I’m feeling many of the same things πΊπ·πΊ
Thank you Laina! Not all my birthdays held such trepidation as this one. It’s not so much the age as it is how society views people as they pass certain age milestones.
Exactly π. Age ain’t nothing but a number; but those milestones can be jarring sometimes ππ
I hope you had a wonderful birthday!! And I hope that it’s the start of a fabulous year for you π·ππ·
Thank you for that, Laina. I hope your upcoming birthday is wonderful as well!
You’re very welcome, and thank you! πππ